Fibrinolysis is the process by which fibrin blood clots are dissolved. Fibrinolytic research is clinically relevant because decreased fibrinolytic potential is linked to increased risk of an ischemic event. Fibrinolysis is known to increase in response to aerobic exercise, however, few research studies have focused on the fibrinolytic response to resistance exercise. Furthermore, women are severely underrepresented in fibrinolytic research, and there are no current studies that focus on women and resistance exercise. Estrogen has been shown to affect basal fibrinolytic potential resulting in the need for fibrinolytic research focused on female subjects. Body composition is known to influence basal fibrinolysis leaving individuals with higher absolute amounts of body fat at risk for cardiovascular events due to decreased fibrinolytic potential. Little is known, however, about the influence of body composition on the fibrinolytic response to exercise. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe the fibrinolytic response to acute resistance training in young women, and further, to determine how body fat percentage affects fibrinolysis at rest and following resistance exercise. Methods. Twenty-three sedentary, healthy women (22.5 ± 4 yrs, 22.3 ± 3.0 kg•m 2) participated in the study. Body fat percentage and fat distribution were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and subjects were separated into two groups by body fat percentage: <30% (lean, n=12) and >30% (obese, n=11). Each subject performed 6 sets of 10 leg extension repetitions at an intensity associated with 70% of her one-repetition maximum. The two primary mediators of fibrinolytic potential, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1(PAI-1), were assessed at baseline and immediately after exercise in venous blood. Results. tPA activity increased in response to acute resistance exercise (p<0.05), however, there was no significant change in PAI-1 activity (p>0.05). A significant main effect of group was observed, indicating the lean women had higher tPA activity (p<0.05) and lower PAI-1 activity (p<0.05) than the obese group. A significant time x group interaction indicated that the tPA response was blunted in the obese group (p<0.05). Conclusions. Fibrinolytic potential increases in response to acute resistance exercise in young women due to increases in tPA activity. Obese women demonstrate a decreased fibrinolytic potential at rest and following acute resistance exercise compared to lean women. Given the relationship between fibrinolytic potential and outcomes of cardiovascular disease, these physiological responses suggest that overweight women may be at elevated risk of an adverse cardiovascular event both at rest and during exercise. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

Graduation date: 1994

Thesis (M.A.)--Bowling Green State University, 2009. / Document formatted into pages; contains v, 90 p. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 242-255).

For many women, body weight is a health concern both in relation to physical health and to social and psychological health. Both overweight and underweight are associated with increased risks to health. Furthermore, the literature largely supports the view that sociological and psychological factors influence a woman's perception of weight and body image. In the Western world, weight loss efforts among women are high, and even those who are within or below the healthy weight range are trying to lose weight. Relatively little is known about weight loss efforts among Yukon women.. Moreover, it is not known whether societal pressures surrounding weight are similar in the Yukon and the rest of Canada. For reasons related mainly to its northern geographical location and culture, and because of the health implications related to women's weight issues, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Yukon women trying to lose weight; to determine the weight loss practices of Yukon women; and to compare the characteristics of women who are trying to lose weight vs. those who are not; women who are satisfied with their weight vs. those who are not; and women who are at health risk due to overweight or underweight vs. those with healthy weights. Data for a representative sample of non-pregnant, non-institutionalized women > 15 years of age (n=711) were obtained from the population-based 1993 Yukon Health Promotion Survey. Those living in the census unorganized portions of the Yukon were not included in the sample. The prevalence of weight loss efforts in the Yukon (51.8%) was higher than the published value for women in the rest of Canada (39%). Among Yukon women with body mass index (BMI) values classified as overweight, possible overweight, healthy weight, and underweight, 80%, 67%, 46%, and 9%, respectively, were trying to lose weight. The corresponding values for the rest of Canada are lower. The most frequent weight loss practices were dieting (35.8%), changing diet and exercise (26.1%), and sensible eating (17.2%). Compared to women not trying to lose weight, women trying to lose weight were younger (35.8 ± 13.2 vs 38.6 ± 15.0 yr, P<0.01), were more likely to be employed (71.6% vs 64%, P<0.05), had higher BMI values (25.7 ± 4.1 vs 22.3 ± 3.9 kg/m2, P<0.0001), and were more likely to be dissatisfied with their current weight (88.5% vs 35.6%, P<0.0001). Both groups reported similar food consumption and activity patterns, yet women trying to lose weight had more positive nutrition behaviours and health knowledge. The mean eating knowledge index (EKI) score was significantly higher (2.36 ± 2.89) for women trying to lose weight than for women not trying to lose weight (1.75 ± 3.44). Similarly, the mean eating behaviour index (EBI) score was higher (4.19 ± 3.83 vs. 3.46 ± 4.94, respectively). Weight loss efforts did not appear to be related to the Yukon environment since neither First Nations status nor length of residence in the Yukon varied for women trying to lose weight and women not trying to lose weight. Yukon women who were overweight were less likely to live in Whitehorse, were older, were more likely to be poor, and were less likely to engage in vigorous physical activity three or more times per week compared to those with healthy weights; however, their food consumption patterns and nutrition knowledge and behaviour scores did not differ. Overweight women expressed less satisfaction with their quality of life and with their physical health and social relationships. Yukon women who were underweight were more likely to be poor and to find it difficult to afford the basic necessities and less likely to indicate they were eating well enough to maintain good health compared to healthy weight women. Both groups had similar activity patterns and food consumption patterns; yet, underweight women had lower scores for nutrition knowledge and behaviour (EKI: 1.03 ± 2.97 vs. 2.38 ± 3.24; EBI: 2.68 ± 4.71 vs. 4.07 i 4.51). Underweight women and healthy weight women rated their quality of life similarly. Based on this study, it appears that many Yukon women, regardless of weight status, are engaging in weight loss efforts. Furthermore, the goal of losing weight, rather than relative weight status, seems to be an important motive for healthy eating and for seeking health knowledge. Being physically active in the Yukon appears to be influenced by time of year and other barriers. Self-ratings of health were associated with engaging in weight loss efforts and with relative weight status. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that weight loss efforts of Yukon women are similar to those of the dominant Western society. In view of the findings of this study, health promotion messages should incorporate healthy eating, regular physical activity, and the concept of healthy weight and positive body image to deter weight loss efforts among women who do not need to lose weight. Tailored approaches which consider the different characteristics of the groups in this study may prove to be useful.

Thirty-seven overweight/obese (BMI: 25-35 kg/m2), premenopausal women that were randomly assigned to either an ad libitum low-carbohydrate (LC) (20% CHO, 30-40% protein, 30-40% fat), or an ad libitum low-fat (LF) (55-60% CHO, 15-20% protein, 20-25% fat) diet.All subjects were given weekly menus matching their assigned macronutrient requirements to aid in meal planning and dietary compliance. Baseline and post-diet measures included height, weight, body composition (DXA), blood lipids [total cholesterol (TC), HDL, LDL, and triglycerides (TG)], and plasma insulin levels. There were no significant group differences in any of the above-listed variables prior to the study. Nineteen women completed the 6-wk study (LC=11, LF=8). Compliance to the diets was adequate as indicated by weekly 24-hr recalls and daily urinary ketone levels. Both groups lost a significant amount of weight and body flat, (P<0.05); and weight and body fat losses were not significantly different between the groups. All groups experienced similar decreases in TG, TC, LDL, HDL, and insulin levels. These results indicate a LC diet is no more effective than a LF diet in promoting favorable changes in body weight, body composition, blood lipids and insulin levels. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Toronto, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 36-43).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 19). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 19). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on August 19, 2009) Includes bibliographical references.